Blog

Guest post by Jason Duff, founder of Small Nation Ever wanted to pour your own candle? Now you can right here in Downtown Bellefontaine! Triple Moon Designs in Bellefontaine, Ohio, recently added a new and exciting candle bar, offering a unique experience not typically seen in small towns. My team has had the chance to try it out […]

Guest post by Jason Duff, founder of Small Nation

Ever wanted to pour your own candle? Now you can right here in Downtown Bellefontaine! Triple Moon Designs in Bellefontaine, Ohio, recently added a new and exciting candle bar, offering a unique experience not typically seen in small towns. My team has had the chance to try it out and they’re raving about it. Owner Jessica Epley has curated the best-smelling and cleanest scents, as well as some of the nicest vessels that range from only $20-$35.

Plus, if you like your created scent, Jessica can re-create it for you to make for the perfect Christmas or new client gift!

How Candle Making Creates an Economic Ripple Effect

Jessica’s new candle bar is a perfect example of the kind of destination-type experience that brings vitality and vibrancy to our community. Creating these unique experiences in a small town setting holds immense value. They draw both locals and visitors. The candle bar isn’t just about making candles; it’s about the experience of creativity and personalization. Visitors have the opportunity to craft something uniquely

When Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better mentioned Common Ground Coffee and Market to me, I found their Instagram feed was full of stealable ideas for small business social media marketing. We first talked about how they let customers know about changes to their hours. They’re in Boise, Idaho, which I realize is not a small […]

When Kathleen Minogue of Crowdfund Better mentioned Common Ground Coffee and Market to me, I found their Instagram feed was full of stealable ideas for small business social media marketing.

We first talked about how they let customers know about changes to their hours.

They’re in Boise, Idaho, which I realize is not a small town. I promise I wouldn’t share ideas unless they also worked for small town businesses.

These ideas are perfect for coffee shops, gaming businesses and other third places where people gather and hang out.

Any small town business could copy their “Open the shop with me” video, or their post of staff members as a group.

Partner with other groups and businesses, even in small ways.

You don’t have to come up with, organize and then staff every event. Start looking for other clubs, groups, people and other businesses you can partner with. What do people like to do in your town, for fun or activities? Try tapping into those folks to help create experiences inside your business.

June 3, 2025

Continuing the discussion on experience-based businesses, what happens after everyone in town tries it? Do these businesses go away? Sheila Scarborough posed the question this way: How do all these axe-throwing and escape room places think they’re going to stay in business past a few years? Main Street Expert Jackie Wolven weighed in: In a […]

Continuing the discussion on experience-based businesses, what happens after everyone in town tries it? Do these businesses go away?

Sheila Scarborough posed the question this way:

How do all these axe-throwing and escape room places think they’re going to stay in business past a few years?

Main Street Expert Jackie Wolven weighed in:

In a tourist community they might be ok if they keep it fresh. But like any small biz, if they aren’t making money they will close and move onto something else.

I was also thinking with the current popularity of shows like Game of Thrones, Last Kingdom and Outlander… the axe throwing probably is a cultural phenomenon. And the true crime fandom is just as rabid which might be driving escape rooms.

 

The Hat Bar: customize your own hat

We’ve talked before about the candle bar in Bellefontaine, Ohio.

In Caldwell, Kansas, there’s a retail business called Rustic Longhorn Co. that features a hat bar. I had to ask what a “hat bar” even was. They sell hats you can customize on site. Pick a cowboy hat or trucker cap. Pick your hat band, patches or other decorations. Assemble your personalized hat right there in the

In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves stuck in careers that fail to ignite their passions. For some, the journey to rediscovering creativity can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. This is the story of one such entrepreneur who transitioned from a corporate finance job to creating a vibrant experience-based business in downtown Bellefontaine. […]

In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves stuck in careers that fail to ignite their passions. For some, the journey to rediscovering creativity can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. This is the story of one such entrepreneur who transitioned from a corporate finance job to creating a vibrant experience-based business in downtown Bellefontaine. Through her journey, Jessica Epley not only embraced her artistic side but also built a community hub that fosters creativity and memorable experiences for all who visit.

Take small steps: craft shows and teaching classes

After college, Jessica ventured into the finance sector, but the reality of staring at Excel spreadsheets for eight hours a day quickly made her realize that this path wasn’t for her. Fortunately, she was in a position to leave that job and take some time to rediscover her passions.

Once Jessica stepped away from the corporate grind, it felt like a fog had lifted. She began to explore her artistic side, diving into painting and macramé. This newfound creativity led her to travel around, setting up at craft shows and markets to showcase her work. Eventually, she transitioned from being a vendor to teaching classes across the state, sharing her love for creativity and crafting with others. She discovered her true passion lies in providing people with memorable experiences that they can cherish forever.

Stepping up to a downtown space

Then a small space became available in downtown Bellefontaine. Tired of the constant setup and teardown of market events, Jessica decided to take a leap a

“I want to start up a new business in town which will compete with an existing one. I believe there are enough customers for both of us. Should I talk to the business owner about my intentions before I start?” That’s the real-world concern from a reader. In small towns, we think about things like […]

“I want to start up a new business in town which will compete with an existing one. I believe there are enough customers for both of us. Should I talk to the business owner about my intentions before I start?”

That’s the real-world concern from a reader. In small towns, we think about things like this. We don’t want to hurt anyone often because we know them, or we know their family.

I’ve never personally asked anyone when starting a potential competitive business or been asked by anyone (except my sister, but that’s a long story). While some people do get angry about it, I believe competition is a good thing, even in a small town. And I say that from personal experience in business.

I discussed this question with my colleague Deb Brown, a former chamber of commerce director and entrepreneur, to get additional ideas.

Generally, we don’t think it’s necessary to speak to them first. It’s also not out of the question, if you feel strongly about it because of the person involved, whether you know them, or the size of the town.

Test your idea first

The main advice Deb and I would offer is to do small tests first to gauge the market. That’s how you’ll know for sure if there is enough demand to support another business.

You can do this for a retail business through pop-ups, renting booths at festivals or events, or through tests selling a few items online or inside another business. For services, you can start offerings online, a mobile location like a trailer, or with a few temporary tests. Once you start those small steps, you’ll learn a lot about what people want to buy, what they’ll pay, and what they are hungry for.

You may find there isn’t demand, so you don’t have to go have that awkward conversation after all.

Look for opportunities to cooperate

Small businesses in small towns have more opportunity to cooperate. Even a direct competitor might cooperate with you. This makes for a much easier conver

The Anti-Agency Model: A Bold New Future for Marketing Services with Sara Nay written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Listen now: Episode Summary In this game-changing episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch sits down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to discuss what they’re calling the Anti-Agency Model. With over 15 years of collaboration, Sara and John unpack the reasons traditional marketing agency models are struggling—and why a […]

The Anti-Agency Model: A Bold New Future for Marketing Services with Sara Nay written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Listen now:

Episode Summary

In this game-changing episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch sits down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to discuss what they’re calling the Anti-Agency Model. With over 15 years of collaboration, Sara and John unpack the reasons traditional marketing agency models are struggling—and why a system-based, AI-enhanced strategy is the future of small business marketing.

They explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the marketing landscape and why internal ownership of marketing systems is becoming the new gold standard for business growth, scalability, and even acquisition-readiness.

About Sara Nay

Sara Nay is the CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, a pioneer of the Anti-Agency Model, and a champion of marketing systems for small businesses. With extensive experience as a fractional CMO, trainer, and systems thinker, she is helping shape a new direction for marketing professionals and agencies worldwide.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why the traditional marke

AI Ethics in Marketing: Why Strategy and Responsibility Must Go Hand in Hand written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Listen to the episode: Episode Summary In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch welcomes Paul Chaney, a veteran digital marketer and publisher of the AI Marketing Ethics Digest. As artificial intelligence becomes central to marketing, Paul makes the case for why ethics and strategy must lead the conversation—not just the […]

AI Ethics in Marketing: Why Strategy and Responsibility Must Go Hand in Hand written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Listen to the episode:

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch welcomes Paul Chaney, a veteran digital marketer and publisher of the AI Marketing Ethics Digest. As artificial intelligence becomes central to marketing, Paul makes the case for why ethics and strategy must lead the conversation—not just the latest tools.

The discussion explores how unchecked AI use can damage brand trust, create internal chaos, and result in missed opportunities. From AI techno-stress to the need for governance and transparency, this episode offers a timely blueprint for adopting AI responsibly in modern marketing.

About Paul Chaney

Paul Chaney is a B2B writer, content strategist, and the founder of the AI Marketing Ethics Digest on Substack. With a long-standing career in digital marketing, Paul brings a sharp perspective on how businesses can balance the excitement of new AI tools with responsible, custome

Shoveling Shit: The Messy Truth of Entrepreneurship written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Listen to the full episode: Episode Summary In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch sits down with Mike and Kass Lazerow—seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and authors of the bold new book Shoveling Shit: A Love Story. Known for co-founding Golf.com and Buddy Media (acquired by Salesforce for $745 million), the Lazerows […]

Shoveling Shit: The Messy Truth of Entrepreneurship written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Listen to the full episode:

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch sits down with Mike and Kass Lazerow—seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and authors of the bold new book Shoveling Shit: A Love Story. Known for co-founding Golf.com and Buddy Media (acquired by Salesforce for $745 million), the Lazerows bring decades of experience to the mic to discuss the raw, unfiltered reality of entrepreneurship.Their conversation dives into why embracing the mess—failures, pivots, and uncertainty—isn’t a flaw in the entrepreneurial journey, but a defining feature. From building businesses as a married couple to rejecting the myth of work-life balance, this episode explores what it really takes to build a company (and a life) that lasts.

About Mike and Kass Lazerow

Mike Lazerow is a veteran tech entrepreneur and investor, having founded several ventures including Buddy Media, which was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. He currently co-leads Founders Farm and Velos Partners, investing in and mentoring early-stage companies.

Kass Lazerow is an expert operator and co-founder with a sharp eye for systems, scaling, and execution.

The AI Driven Leader: How to Think Strategically and Make Smarter Decisions with AI written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Listen to the full episode: Episode Summary In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch welcomes Geoff Woods, founder of AI Leadership and author of the international bestseller The AI Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster Decisions. Geoff shares how leaders can use AI not just to automate tasks—but to […]

The AI Driven Leader: How to Think Strategically and Make Smarter Decisions with AI written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing

Listen to the full episode:

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch welcomes Geoff Woods, founder of AI Leadership and author of the international bestseller The AI Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster Decisions. Geoff shares how leaders can use AI not just to automate tasks—but to enhance strategic thinking, speed up decision-making, and escape operational overwhelm.

Through frameworks like CRIT (Context, Role, Interview, Task) and real-world use cases, Geoff reframes AI as a high-level thought partner rather than a basic productivity tool. The discussion explores how leaders can remain relevant, sharpen their judgment, and bring out the best in their teams by embracing AI as a strategic amplifier—not a threat.

About Geoff Woods

Geoff Woods is the founder of AI Leadership and the AI Driven Leadership Collective, where he helps C-suite leaders and growth-minded executives navigate the AI revolution. Formerly Chief Growth Officer at Jindal Steel, Geoff previously built the company behind the bestselling book The